Service fees are still on the menu at California restaurants

Driving the news: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed emergency legislation Saturday allowing restaurants and bars to charge additional fees that are "clearly and conspicuously" explained on menus and other displays.

• It essentially exempts eateries from the law banning "junk fees" at businesses — including ticket vendors, delivery apps and hotels — that went into effect Monday.

State of play: San Diego's restaurant industry is still recovering from the pandemic, and local restaurateurs added service fees to cover rising rent, labor and food costs.

• Most Americans oppose automatic service charges, typically 3-6% in San Diego, per the Union-Tribune.
• Some restaurants responded to the potential ban by ditching fees and raising prices of individual menu items, which could stick around.

The bottom line: Diners can still expect to see service charges on their checks, but they shouldn't be a surprise.